News and Events - February 2011
Chicago, IL - His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica-Midwestern America, visited the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, the see of the Chicago-Midwest Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad in Des Plaines, Illinois, on the eve of Meatfare Sunday, Saturday, February 26, 2011
His Holiness, upon his arrival, was cordially welcomed by Bishop Peter of Cleveland, the administrator of the Chicago-Midwest Diocese. His Holiness was greeted at the altar by Archbishop Alypy who, after a fall a number of years ago was seriously injured and has difficulty getting around.
In honor of His Holiness' visit a Doxology was served. The Resurrection Matins was officiated by Bishop Peter who was assisted by the priests and deacons of the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Church. The cathedral choir sang all the stikhira. The children's choir sang a part of the vesperal portion of the vigil. At the beginning of the matins portion of the service His Holiness blessed the members of the children's choir and other children, students of the Russian school and the church school who at that time left for their homes. Following the service His Holiness blessed the people and greeted them all with the words: “May the Lord bless the Russian and Serbian Orthodox people and may He bless all people.”
The hosts, in traditional Slavic hospitality, prepared a rich meal in the hall, with welcomes, greetings and Many Years. His Holiness Patriarch Irinej will serve at the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago on the following day, Sunday, February 27, 2011.
V. Rev. Dobrivoje Milunovic
